Banff - road conditions late May
 

I am planning a trip to Banff, Jasper & Lake Louise in late May. Will the roads be clear of snow and ice between these destinations? <BR><BR>Will the lakes in the area be melted of ice so we can see the blue water....I plan on taking photos of the lakes.<BR><BR>Thanks, Scott

Scott, unless we get a wild late spring storm (which has been known to happen) the roads in late May should be just fine. As for the ice melted off of the lakes that is not such a sure thing. I was at Emerald Lake last May 28th and the ice had completely melted (although just a week or so before) while there was still a substantial amount of ice on Lake Louise. Enough so that you couldn't really see the colour of the lake except for a small slice at the end down by the glacier.

Thank you, <BR><BR>We plan on on being in the area for 6-7 full days. Any suggestions about the sights to see and amount of time needed at each location.<BR><BR>Scott

Scott, many people have asked similar questions on this thread. You might want to do a search and see what you can find. Your options in this area are variable so we would need to know a bit more of what you would like to do .<BR><BR>

Rita:<BR><BR>We like to hike, observe wildlife and scenery and are avid birdwatchers. We are considering a float trip without heavy duty rapids since the water is very cold. Additionally, we are not hung up on where to eat....it seems like this is all people are concerned about! As a child I hiked into Maligne Canyon and would like to do this again but I am not sure if the trails will be accesable due to snow levels. I want to go onto the Columbia ice field; I did this last in 1968. Do you suggest any specific tram/gondola rides up the mountain for good views; if so which ones. Which mineral hot springs do you recommend; are there any that are actually outdoors and in a natural setting vs. and man-made pool.<BR><BR>Hope this isn't too many questions. <BR><BR>Thanks

No, it's not too many questions. I'll post response later.<BR>

The hotsprings at Banff are not that great, and lately the temperature is not consistently hot enough. If you can make your way to Radium, the hotspring there is everything you've described. If that is to far afield, the try Miette hotsprings, east of Jasper. The scenery is better and there is wonderful hiking in the area. There is also an older lodge by the springs, that is reasonable and clean, though nothing fancy.<BR>the only place you might find snow on the road in late may, would be at the Bow summit, on your way from Lake Louise to Jasper. Likely if there is any, it will be restricted to the ditches. The rest of the highways are clear almost all winter, and are cleaned after every snow storm. It's doubtful you will come across any snow unless you go looking for it.<BR>R

Thank you.<BR><BR>Any suggestions regarding which gondola ride to take. The one up Whistlers Mtn. in Jasper sounds more intriguing because we can hike in the alpine region (above timberline) and try for the summit. If it's in the low to mid 50's F. in the valley, how cold will it be at 7,500 - 8,000 feet elevation. I am planning for winter temperatures and very cold wind chill temperatures.<BR><BR>Scott